A cast of only seven homeschool students staged multiple performances of “The Phantom of the Opera,” a production that normally requires a large cast, a full crew, and a significant budget. The play took place in mid-December at the Invicta Theatre, 14520 Memorial Dr, Unit 59 in Houston and included students from the Katy area.

“These students represent a group of young artists who almost gained access to public school fine arts programs this year,” said parent Heather Connorton in an email to the Katy Times. “Texas recently introduced legislation that could have allowed homeschool students to participate in public school extracurricular activities -- theatre, choir, band, athletics, and more. Families were excited and hopeful that access to theatre programs was finally coming. However, when ISDs were given the option, most Houston-area districts and Katy ISD opted out -- meaning homeschool students lost the opportunity before it ever began.”

“Rather than let these kids lose their chance at the arts, local sponsors, small businesses, and family foundations stepped up,” Connorton said. “They fully funded the production - including Phantom’s famously costly rights and music licensing, to ensure these kids could perform at a high level this season. The result? These seven students are blowing the roof off this production with their talent, discipline, and heart.”

Three of the seven performers are professional Houston actors. Sydney Elise Russell has performed on Broadway, including a national tour. Caleb Ramirez and Sebastian Ramirez – 14-year-old brothers who are in eighth and ninth grade -- have performed with The Alley Theatre and A.D. Players Theatre. Both boys are in Splashway and iFly Katy area commercials. Caleb and Sebastian live in Katy in the Firethorne community; their dad and older brothers attended Katy High School and played football for Coach Gary Joseph. Caleb and Sebastian also perform Lion Dance in Katy and at Katy ISD schools and libraries. Since they homeschooled, they are able to go to schools and perform as well as local business during the cultural Lunar New Year, Connorton said. The brothers also play baseball at Katy American Little League and were selected for Allstars to compete for the Little League World Series.

The complete cast includes:

· Caleb Ramirez - The Phantom

· Sebastian Ramirez - Raoul, Vicomte de Chagny

· Sydney Russell - Christine Daaé, Age 14, 9th Grade

· August Adams - Monsieur Firmin & André, Age 14, 9th Grade

· Penelope Entwistle - Carlotta Guidicelli, Age 12, 6th Grade

· Brooklyn Garcia - Madame Giry, Age 14, 8th Grade

· Bronwyn Vyvial - Meg Giry, Age 13, 8th Grade


Businesses who stepped up to fund the production included Dentistry by RSE, Fulshear Dental, Asset Value Management Services, Oaks Point Pediatric Dentistry, Pat and Susan Cook Family Foundation, Jo-Ann Reilly Family Foundation, Raising Canes, Southwest Dallas Eye Care, and Greater Houston Dental Arts. A total of $5,500.00 was raised for scholarships, theatrical rights and licensing, musical scores, costumes, props, official Playbill licensing, and printed playbills which were printed at a local Katy business.

“Invicta Homeschool Theatre stepped up big, taking on a challenge nobody else would,” said Connorton. “Caleb and Sebastian will be coming together in the Fall to raise money for a fall show which will be as equally as challenging and pushing acting limits as much as The Phantom of The Opera. They believe if the opportunity presents itself Katy’s homeschool students will continue to build plays that have people walking away stunned. They are looking to build CLUE as their next challenge, a production that when done correctly will have audiences in awe and hoping Invicta Theatre will take on the same challenge for these kids and the Katy Community will be there to support them.”